ROAD RULE

By Brandon Petersen

The Westcliff softball team handled business on the road this weekend, delivering back-to-back decisive victories over Corban behind strong pitching, disciplined defense, and a steadily improving offense that continues to gain momentum.

"I'm so proud of our players and coaching staff," head coach Brandon Wallace said. "This team truly believes that our Warriors can compete with the best teams in the country and it shows."

Westcliff opened the stretch with an 8-2 victory, applying pressure throughout the lineup while receiving a complete-game performance from Jolene Miramontes.

The Warriors built separation with a three-run fourth inning and added insurance late, combining timely hitting with aggressive baserunning to put the contest well out of reach.

Kayce Johnston led the offense with three hits, while Rachel Varela scored three times and Anika Romo drove in two runs to help seal the opener. Defensively, Westcliff remained sharp, committing no errors and limiting Corban's opportunities to generate sustained momentum.

The Warriors carried that energy into Saturday's matchup, where a six-run fifth inning sparked an 8-0 mercy-rule victory.

Madison Mendez contributed two hits and two RBIs, while Cecelia Hogel delivered a five-inning shutout, allowing just five hits to close out the series in dominant fashion.

"Our offense continues to improve, and I'm especially proud of how we make adjustments at the plate, even during challenging moments with the umpires," Wallace said. "That resilience speaks volumes about our maturity and focus."

Across both games, Westcliff demonstrated balance in all phases, pairing steady pitching performances with consistent execution at the plate and strong defensive play behind them.

That's the recipe for success in softball.

"Defensively, we are locked in and playing with confidence and discipline," Wallace added. "Let's keep building, stay hungry, and finish strong."

No. 10 Oregon Tech 3, Warriors 2

The Warriors fell in a tightly contested matchup against No. 10 Oregon Tech Friday, despite another strong performance from Madison Mendez in the circle.

Oregon Tech capitalized on an early three-run first inning, highlighted by a solo home run from Gina Allen, before Westcliff settled in defensively.

Mendez allowed just three runs over six innings while keeping the Warriors within striking distance.

Westcliff chipped away with RBI singles from Mendez and Rachel Varela, but could not complete the comeback.

Warriors 8, Simpson 1

The Warriors closed out the tournament with an 8-1 victory over Simpson, using early offense and a decisive fifth inning to create separation.

Westcliff struck first in the opening frame when Jasmyn Lara singled and advanced to second, driving in both Rachel Varela and Alyssa Patlan for a 2-0 lead. The advantage doubled in the third as Anika Romo delivered an RBI double before Lara added her second RBI of the afternoon to push the margin to 4-0.

Simpson answered with a run in the fourth, but the Warriors put the game out of reach in the fifth, plating four runs to extend the lead to 8-1. Lara finished with four RBIs on two hits, while Savannah Alvarez added two hits and an RBI in the surge.

Madison Mendez earned the win, allowing one run over five innings before Jolene Miramontes closed the door with two scoreless frames in relief.

The victory capped a strong weekend performance, as Westcliff combined timely offense with disciplined defense and consistent pitching to finish tournament play on a high note.